Entertaining? Athena's Must-Know Tips

Entertaining? Athena's Must-Know Tips

It's a fact: Athena Calderone is a curator of all things gorgeous. Her breathtaking home decor, delicious recipes, and eye for style inspired her to create EyeSwoon, a hub for home and food inspiration. Now, It Girl Calderone will be taking us to New York's need-to-know spots and introducing us to the coolest people around.

I love design, and I love food — for me they go hand in hand. I never quite realized how I approach both in exactly the same way. Adding layers and textures and unexpected contrasting elements can work in both a room and on a great plate of food. EyeSwoon is the truest representation of all the various bits of myself…at my core, I just like to make things beautiful, and I LOVE food!

I also swoon over the magical quality of togetherness that springs up around a bountiful table. Food changes people — there is a commonality, a sharing, laughter, a relaxed environment. It’s around a table that conversation is shared and ideas are born. Food is certainly an essential greatest common denominator!

A beautifully set table, moody lighting, seasonal local food, your senses heightened — nothing is more elegant and intriguing than being invited to an intimate dinner party with friends. As a host, first and foremost, you want to keep a casual and fun atmosphere for your guests!

I would never call myself an expert on the matter. On the contrary, I often get overwhelmed when things aren’t organized and prepared. Timing is absolutely everything when you're cooking and serving food. Getting everything on the table at once and looking beautiful is essential, and often those last moments and finishing touches can get stressful. These are my humble tips and tricks, plus my favorite halibut recipe to create an effortless summer soirée with friends! I guess you can say I’ve been swooned.